In the 1970s, skiers began to attempt runs that were so steep, it seemed almost suicidal to make the effort. Anselme Baud and Patrick Vallencant found their greatest challenge in finding places to ski where no one ever had before. That tradition continues today as two generations later, young skiers are involved in a sport where winning is not the object. Instead, the goal is to ski ever more dangerous and remote locations.

Steep is a documentary that examines this phenomenon. Directed by Mark Obenhaus, whose earlier film Einstein on the Beach: The Changing Image of Opera attracted some attention, Steep will look to capture the fancy of people who follow extreme sports – or even just those who enjoy looking at the majesty of a mountain covered in show. Since most of us are way too cowardly to attempt such stuff ourselves, watching a movie like this is the best way to have the experience vicariously. (Kim Hollis/BOP)